Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XXXVIII - Elizabeth

Author: William Wordsworth

Bright Star!—how glorious in thy mid career
Our Queen doth stand, to Europe dear and dread,
As at the guarded gate, with flaming spear,
A Martyr’s God protecteth! from her head
There spreads a halo; and the earth doth hear
Her armèd voice, while from her mouth proceed
Words as with gold-inwoven leaves displayed,
That tell of justice and of truth severe.
She rules with gentle sway the meek and proud,
With voice to soothe, but with a brow to awe;
She bears aloft the cup and lifts the rod,
And unto her is every heart subdued;
And every tongue, obedient to her law,
Is prompt to utter and obey her word.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Elizabeth I, Queen, Justice

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A sonnet from Part II of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth reflects on Queen Elizabeth I. The poem portrays her as a glorious and powerful figure, beloved and respected across Europe, ruling with a balance of justice, truth, and compassion. The poem highlights her influence and the reverence she commands.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.